This is how Bearman looks back on his first F1 qualifying for Ferrari
F1 News
Oliver Bearman experienced a hectic Friday. The Brit was told a few hours before the third free practice session that Carlos Sainz had appendicitis, so he himself made his debut. Bearman spoke about his chaotic Friday to F1TV.
The Brit still put his Prema in pole position in Formula 2 on Thursday, but on Friday afternoon, he suddenly got to drive for Ferrari: "I woke up this morning focusing on my F2 race starting P10 trying to think about how we can maximise that," he said.
Bearman continued: "At some stage, it was clear that I had to get in the F1 car. What a great opportunity. Best wishes for Carlos and his recovery but it's a great moment and opportunity for me, and I am ready to maximise it. A bit disappointed with the qualifying but overall I can't be too disappointed."
The Briton put his car in P11. He narrowly missed Q3, which would have been impressive for someone who has only had 60 minutes to practice with the car. Still, Bearman is not entirely satisfied with his performance: "I made a mistake on my first push lap, so I had to do it on the second, and the tyres aren't the best there, so it’s my mistake, and I'll take that one in the chin."
Bearman on his expectations for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
On Saturday, he will make his official racing debut in Formula 1. After qualifying, he explains what his goal is: "Just bring the car back, try and get some points, that would be a bonus, but build up my mileage, and get some experience. It's my first race so I can't expect much and this is a really difficult track as well."